Mouse prostate reconstitution model system: A series of in vivo and in vitro models for benign and malignant prostatic disease

BACKGROUND. An elucidation of the complex, morphological and molecular chan ges that underlie benign and malignant prostatic disease will likely lead t o improved methods of diagnosis and therapy for those disorders. To identif y and understand the interrelation of the phenotypic and genetic changes in herent in these important diseases requires the development and use of in v ivo and in vitro models that closely mimic specific aspects of the disease process. Once the suspected molecular underpinnings of prostatic disease ar e uncovered, in vivo and in vitro models will be required for further testi ng of the functional significance of specific genetic alterations as they a re identified. In addition models of prostatic disease are necessary to eva luate novel therapeutic approaches. METHODS. The mouse prostate reconstitution (MPR) model system was developed more than a decade ago with these specific needs in mind. Over the years, specific modifications of the MPR model have demonstrated its versatility a nd applicability for the study of benign and malignant prostatic disease, i ncluding metastatic progression. RESULTS. We discuss various modifications of the MPR model system made for its application to specific aspects of prostatic disease; the clinically re levant information that has been gleaned thus far from the use of this mode l system; and advances on the horizon for the expansion of its role in pros tate research. CONCLUSIONS. The MPR model system has contributed substantially to the unde rstanding and treatment of benign and malignant prostatic diseases. Additio nal modifications in this series of in vivo and in vitro models will likely lead to further advances. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.